Jamshedpur FC take on FC Goa in their next game at the Furnace, with hopes of a victory.
Jamshedpur FC take on FC Goa in their next game at the Furnace, with hopes of a victory. The club may be going through a rough patch of form after seven straight defeats, but there are lots of positives to take from recent performances in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).
The last two defeats were both by just a one goal margin, with plenty to suggest that a win might be just round the corner.
Against FC Goa, Jamshedpur will hope to counter their opponent’s free-flowing football style with some class of their own, with individual battles very well proving to be the decider once again.
Eli Sabiá vs Noah Wail Sadaoui
Noah Wail Sadaoui has been the main man for FC Goa this season, banging in the goals this season and helping the Gaurs move up the table. The Moroccan is the top scorer for his club with five goals, and will be the danger man once again versus Jamshedpur.
The man possibly tasked with stopping Noah in this game would be Eli Sabia. The Brazilian has made the Men of Steel stronger in defence since returning from injury, but will need to be at his best to stop the dangerous Noah from having his way.
Brandon Fernandes vs Boris Singh
Not a direct contest on paper, but the game may well be decided by the performance of some of the big attacking players.
It doesn’t get better than Brandon Fernandes and Boris Singh in an all-India battle on the wings in attack come Thursday. Boris has proved to be the shining light going forward for the Jamshedpur outfit, while Brandon has firmly established himself as Goa’s poster boy over the years.
Boris’ pace and Brandon’s creativity could be features to look out for as these two sides clash at the Furnace on Thursday.
Ishan Pandita vs Anwar Ali
Another battle of the Indian players could see Ishan Pandita come up against the high-flying Anwar Ali.
Ali has become indispensable to Goa head coach Carlos Pena this season, and his solid performances have earned plaudits throughout the league.
However, Pandita has come into his own in the last few games, becoming a regular starter for the club and playing against his former side could bring out an even fiercer side in the 24-year-old.
How Anwar Ali tackles the threat of Ishan Pandita going forward might well decide the outcome of this game.